19 September 2015

I hope you never tire of hearing about a small portion of the amazing events available to locals and tourists alike here in the Okanagan Valley. This weekend found me sharing a table with kindred spirits at Covert Farms, a completely organic farm and winery located 8 kilometers north of Oliver in the southern reaches of the Okanagan Valley. Besides offering a stunning landscape, a myriad of organic produce, and very hospitable people it was the muse a few weekends ago for a very special collaborative 5-course dinner where a portion of the proceeds went to support the Salmon Habitat restoration in the South Okanagan. I bumped shoulders with people from the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Ocean Wise Vancouver Aquarium, and Salmon-Safe B.C while enjoying an innovative menu and wines from Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. I am told I was the very first person to sign up and show my support for this special event with an opportunity to learn more about the story of the Okanagan salmon and enjoy a very special menu highlighting the region.

Photo from Gourmet Vancouver

Established over 50 years ago in Oliver, British Columbia Covert Farms Family Estates is the definition of sustainable and organic. They are proud to say that they are also Certified Salmon Safe. What does this mean exactly? With a Salmon bearing river passing through their property, Covert Farms Family Estates takes, very seriously, the need to respect that habitat while maintaining their farm and vineyards. With over 650 acres, this is by no means an easy feat to accomplish, but accomplish it they have.

Here in the Okanagan Valley, farmers and chefs take pride in their commitment to quality and share a passion for locally grown food and nowhere is it more evident when the farmer speaks of his love for his land. Regardless of the farm’s size, there is a lot to be done especially with the strain of the heat. Through our conversation I was struck with how farming really not only takes technical know-how but it takes a lot of courage. As a vocation it is certainly not for the faint of heart.

Next a Pork Terrine with Melon Mostarda with pork raised on the riverbanks of the farm itself served with Covert Farm Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi with Wild River Burdock and Dungeness Crab. The tables were soon groaning family style with a West Coast Seafood Mixed Grill with Legendary Covert Farms Corn, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Poblano Peppers. In Italian-style a salad of Covert Beet Greens, Squash Blossoms, and Salad Greens with Crispy Salmon Skin was served as a final course. And to top it all off a trio of desserts were offered...Beet Cake, Compressed Verbena Fruit and Almond and Honey Panna Cotta.

As I savoured my salmon dishes who would have believed that the humble salmon was once widespread in our inland lakes here in the Okanagan Valley Basin from the United States border to Lake Okanagan. Did you know that once upon a time we had salmon living in Okanagan Lake? I didn't! The migration of salmon is considered one of the great ‘miracles of nature’ and is a source of fascination and interest the world over.Once the most abundant, prolific and hardy of fish, the Okanagan Sockeye salmon almost disappeared from our lakes altogether.

In the mid-1800’s, the Sockeye fishery began to change dramatically due to man-made adjustments to the river channels between the lakes. Settlement along the river, the building of nine hydro-electric dams, channelization, urban encroachment, commercial fishing, irrigation and other water management practises damaged salmon habitat, interrupted migration routes, and reduced stocks entering the rivers to spawn. A decade ago, the number of salmon returning were down to a few thousand.

Since 2004, the ONA fisheries department has been working with governments, utilities and other agencies on both sides of the international boundary to restore fish passage for salmon. The Okanagan Nations Alliance have initiated a 12-year project to reintroduce sockeye back into their former spawning and living grounds, a means of livelihood that has been closed to them for the last several decades. The studies are ongoing, although early results on returning salmon appear promising. So much so that for the last year or so Okanagan Sockeye salmon is available at one of our local fishmongers.Which is why I was able to enjoy wild salmon, caught in Osoyoos Lake with other locals.

During the event, visitors can take in a traditional performance and ceremony, paddle a canoe, play in a stick game tournament and, on Sunday, enjoy a salmon feast.

The ONA says the festival is important in the face of this year's drought, which impacted salmon and water in the valley. It celebrates continued efforts by the Okanagan Nation to rehabilitate local ecosystems and renew connections so our salmon can thrive.

You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison.

Posted by
Valerie Harrison (bellini)

4 comments:

I for one will never tire of hearing about these events or seeing all of your fabulous photos. I just want to jump in the screen and be a part of it with you. The story of the salmon is so interesting and much more in depth than I've ever heard. They are truly amazing fish.Sam

.

Discover

can we help you search...

Relax

My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 9 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.